Survey Instrument Operator & Underground Utility Locator

Atlas Surveying Inc; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Quarterly Performance Bonuses

Opportunities for advancement

401K

Job summary

Atlas Surveying, Inc. is seeking motivated individuals for the dual role of Entry-Level Instrument Operator and Utility Locator. You will support field teams on surveying tasks and learn to locate underground utilities using EM locating tools and GPR.

This entry-level position offers hands-on training, outdoors work in varied weather, and opportunities to advance. A high school diploma or GED and a valid driver's license are required; willingness to travel and lift up to 300 lbs are necessary.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record (MVR).
• Able to drive a company vehicle with no infractions for at least 3 years.
• Able to travel overnight as needed.
• Physically able to lift up to 300 lbs, walk long distances, and work on uneven terrain.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Safety-conscious and able to follow directions.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the setup and operation of surveying equipment (total stations, GPS, data collectors).
• Learn and apply basic surveying techniques under supervision.
• Perform tasks such as holding survey rods, measuring distances, and recording data accurately.
• Follow instructions from Crew Chief and senior team members.
• Maintain survey equipment and assist with transportation to job sites.
• Adhere to safety protocols and wear PPE.
• Learn to operate EM locating equipment and read basic utility maps/plans.
• Support in maintaining company vehicles and equipment.

Skills

Attention to detail

Willingness to learn

Outdoor work

Physically fit

Safety-conscious

Team communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Total stations

GPS

EM locating equipment

Ground Penetrating Radar

Data collectors

Job description

Join our dynamic team at Atlas Surveying, Inc., an industry-leading land surveying firm dedicated to providing high-quality surveying services across the Southeast with offices in the Savannah/Hilton Head, Charleston, Charlotte, and Greenville/Spartanburg areas. With a focus on precision, accuracy, and innovation, we tackle diverse projects ranging from land development to infrastructure planning. We pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence and our collaborative work environment.

We're looking for motivated individuals to join us in the dual role of Entry-Level Instrument Operator and Utility Locator. This role is perfect for those keen to begin a career in land surveying. As an Instrument Operator, you'll team up with seasoned surveying experts, aiding in field operations and gaining invaluable knowledge of land surveying basics. You will work closely under the direction of experienced SUE professionals to learn how to locate and mark underground utilities using specialized equipment. You will gain real-world field experience while assisting in identifying buried infrastructure such as gas, water, sewer, electric, and communication lines.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Instrument Operator

• Assist in the setup and operation of surveying equipment, including total stations, GPS, and data collectors.
• Learn and apply basic surveying techniques under the guidance of experienced surveyors.
• Perform tasks such as holding survey rods, measuring distances, and recording data accurately.
• Follow instructions from the Crew Chief and other senior team members to ensure efficient and accurate surveying operations.
• Maintain survey equipment and assist with transportation to and from job sites.
• Adhere to safety protocols and regulations to ensure a safe working environment for yourself and your team.

Utility Locator

• Assist experienced utility locators in the field on a variety of projects.
• Learn to operate EM (electromagnetic) utility locating equipment.
• Learn to use Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for non-conductive utility detection.
• Perform basic site setup and documentation tasks.
• Use shovels and hand tools to carefully expose utilities when necessary.
• Maintain accurate field notes and documentation.
• Communicate clearly with team members, project managers, and site personnel.
• Learn to read and interpret basic utility maps and plans.
• Help maintain company vehicles and equipment in clean working conditions.
• Follow all company safety procedures and always wear required PPE.

Qualifications (Required):

• High school diploma or GED
• Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and willingness to learn new skills
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Physically able to lift heavy items (up to 300 lbs), walk long distances, and work on uneven terrain
• Comfortable working in a construction or field environment
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record (MVR)
• This position will require driving a company vehicle. Therefore, a valid driver's license and no infractions for a minimum of 3 years is required to be approved to drive a company vehicle and added to the company insurance policy.
• Ability to travel overnight as needed
• Must be dependable, honest, safety-conscious, and able to follow directions

Preferred (but not required):

• Experience in construction, surveying, or underground utility work
• Any background or experience with EM utility locating is a strong plus
• Mechanical or technical aptitude

Benefits:

• Health Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Quarterly Performance Bonuses
• Opportunities for advancement
• 401K

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position.They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.All personnel may be required to perform duties outside their normal scope of responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Atlas Surveying, Inc. isan equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.